On the Shoulders of Great Women and Men Part 1

Posted on March 15, 2023

From left: Mayette Yuching, Flora O. Go and SPAS Principal Vilma P. Quijano. SPAS@47 Tribute to SPAS Pioneers, Feb 16, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written by

Jude Thaddeus Bautista

February 16, 2023, there was a small gathering at St Peter the Apostle Church in Paco. Manila. The event was a tribute to 5 women pioneers who were instrumental in raising of funds for St Peter the Apostle School (SPAS).

They are Conchita Gan, Marietta Yuching, Flora U. Go, Erlinda Bautista and Sally Dee – represented by her son John Dee. After the celebratory mass officiated by Fr. Emil Ascaño, the awarding ceremony and lunch was held at the Center for Entrepreneurship.

The tribute was in connection with the celebration of the school’s 47^th year: SPAS@47. The awards were handed out by Fr. Emil, Alumni President Lobecris Chua and Parent’s Auxiliary President Ronelie Lato.

From left: Fr. Emil Ascaño, Linda Bautista, John Dee (Representing Sally Dee), Flora O. Go, Conchita Gan, Mayette Yuching, SPAS Principal Vilma P. Quijano, SPASPA Pres. Ronelie Lato and SPASAA Pres. Lobecris Chua. SPAS@47 Tribute to SPAS Pioneers, Feb 16, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Happy 25th anniversary, GBF!

Parish Council

The five women mentioned above were a part of the original Parish Council. It was organized by then Parish priest Fr. Vincent Liu soon after he took over in 1974. They were tapped to assist in raising funds for the church, school and advise him in a variety of matters.

From left: Mayette Yuching, Conchita Gan, Fr. Emil Ascaño, Flora O. Go and Linda Bautista. SPAS@47 Tribute to SPAS Pioneers, Feb 16, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

It consisted of Albert and Juanling So, Martin and Carmen Sunga, Conchita Gan, Maximo and Luisa Tan, Joe and Linda Bautista, Faustino ‘Alo’ Dee and Sally Dee, Gabriel and Marietta Yuching, Enrique and Eva Cuatico, Domingo and Elena Cuatico, Flora O. Go, Rosario (Ching) Sevilla, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Ng, Mariano Dee and Mary Kun.

From right: Luisa Tan, Ching Sevilla, Mayette Yuching, Domingo Cuatico, Lucio Tan, Yldefonso Yang, Msgr. Chin, Lilia B. Yang, Tomas V. Portillo, Joe Bautista, Erlinda Bautista, James Chua and Sally Dee. The Parish Council welcomed their donors at St Peter the Apostle School, 1985.

While these were the members of the parish council, there are many more people who helped with the efforts of building the school and church. Over the years there have been countless names and people who have been instrumental in building St Peter to what it is today.

Log on to https://www.philippineairlines.com/

Community Development: Better Together

If names have been omitted, it’s not intentional. But more an attempt to express gratitude, especially to those mentioned by the awardees. An advanced blanket apology to anyone not mentioned here. For example, Maximo Tan was a part of that original parish council but was unable to attend the ceremony. Perhaps organizers could recognize him at a future event. Uncle Max as he is affectionately known, has faithfully served both the church and school in various ways through the decades.

From left: Max Tan, Jaime Cardinal Sin, Felicidad Sy, far right is Msgr Chin with Conchita Gan.
Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/spappacomanila/

Felicidad Sy

Main benefactors for the school building inaugurated in 1979 include Jaime Cardinal Sin (Archbishop of Manila), Mr. Ralph Nubla (Philippine Bank of Communications), Mr. Lucio Tan (PNB, PAL) and Mr. Emilio Yap, Sr. (Philtrust Bank and Manila Bulletin).

Henry Sy and Felicidad Sy.
Photo from https://www.sm-foundation.org/

Fr. Vincent Liu succeeded in leading the efforts of building a school, but had to relinquish his position because of health concerns. He was, however, able to choose his successor, Monsignor Francis Chin. The new parish priest had just as much drive to expand and grow the school. Not a lot of people are aware that Felicidad Sy was instrumental in these efforts.

From left: Jaime Cardinal Sin, Felicidad Sy, far right is Msgr. Chin with Conchita Gan.
Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/spappacomanila/

One of Monsignors’ stories (related to Erlinda Bautista), was about Felicidad Sy who made a surprise visit. Unfortunately, he was taking his afternoon siesta. But because, she was the other half of Taipan Henry Sy (SMDC) and was a potential donor, he immediately accommodated her. She donated a check sealed in an envelope. During the visit, he had to use all of his self-control NOT to open and look at the amount on the check. Which later turned out to be P500,000, easily P5 million (or more) in today’s currency.

St Peter the Apostle Parish Altar

Fely Sy has been an important figure in St Peter’s history as she also donated an undisclosed, but significant amount to the construction of the newer (and current) church that was inaugurated in 2003.

No doubt both Henry and Fely Sy were able to donate to many other churches across the country but preferred to do so quietly and anonymously. They were a team as Tatang Henry built the SM Empire. But it was Fely who took the leadership role in using their resources for good donating to churches and schools. She was relied on by members of the clergy for support in this respect. For their generous donations students, teachers, parishioners and the whole Paco, Manila community which St Peter serves will be forever grateful.

Photo from https://www.sm-foundation.org/

Log on to https://www.cebupacificair.com/

From left: Fr. Emil Ascaño, Conchita Gan, SPASPA Pres. Ronelie Lato and SPASAA Pres. Lobecris Chua. SPAS@47 Tribute to SPAS Pioneers, Feb 16, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Dr Lucio Tan

Most Filipinos are aware of Dr Lucio Tan’s contributions to churches especially educational institutions. But the relationship with St Peter for him goes deeper. Among the original Parish Council members are brothers Domingo and Enrique Cuatico whose family owned and operated INSULAR YEBANA Cigarette factory.

From right: Mayette Yuching, Domingo Cuatico, Lucio Tan, Yldefonso Yang, Msgr. Chin, Lilia B. Yang and Tomas V. Portillo. The Parish Council welcomed their donors at St Peter the Apostle School, 1985. (13)

It just so happened that INSULAR YEBANA was where a young Lucio Tan worked and was exposed to the tobacco industry. He eventually set out on his own and created his brand HOPE cigarettes. He established Fortune Tobacco which became an industry leader. Kapitan was prevailed upon by the Cuatico’s to donate to St Peter which he graciously did.

From left: Ching Sevilla, Max Tan, Domingo Cuatico, Eva Cuatico, Mike Sevilla, Joe Bautista, Enrique Cuatico and Maryjane Cuatico. Photo taken Dec 29, 1988 at the Sevilla Residence in Singalong, Manila.

Similarly, when Domingo was struck with cancer, Tan hired a plane to bring him to China for treatment. When they landed, they were received by doctors and hospital administrators at the airport. They stayed there for a month, all expenses paid by Kapitan. The anecdote by Maryjane Cuatico, explains somewhat, why our Fil-Chinese Parish has a special place in Don Lucio’s heart.

From left: Lucio Tan and Msgr Francis Chin

Monsignor Chin also related a story of his strategy of requesting for donations. After the magnate sent a P1 million peso check (worth about P10 million today). Msgr. Chin visited Tan in his office with the check and insisted on returning it, saying that he could afford to give so much more. Needless to say, it worked and he was able to expand the school’s facilities.

From left: Engr Alfonso Lao, Msgr Francis Chin and Lucio Tan. (1985)

Awardees with SPAS Parents Association and SPAS Alumni. SPAS@47 Tribute to SPAS Pioneers, Feb 16, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Bishop Velasco

Flora Go in her speech during the tribute said, “The bishop in charge of all overseas Chinese priests expelled from Mainland China was Bishop Juan Bautista Velasco O.P. He was a Spaniard who was fluent in Mandarin and Fookien. He was familiar with Chinese language, tradition and culture.”

Left with Mic: Bishop Juan Bautista Velasco, with ‘primo’ Joe Bautista.

Bishop Velasco was a huge part of the establishment of St Peter church and school. Linda recalls that he would tease her husband Joe Bautista by calling him ‘Primo!’ (Cousin). Because of the Bishop’s second name as Joe was also a part of the original Parish council.

Nissin Ramen: Family Fix 15s

From right: Joe Bautista, Msgr. Francis Chin, Donald Bautista, George Bautista, Fr. Joseph Liu, Bishop Juan Velasco, Jude Bautista, Linda Bautista, Jimmy and Lina Chao.

Danding Cojuangco

Erlinda described the Bishop as gregarious and friendly who was close to the elite using his fluency in Spanish and Chinese as related by Flora Go. Linda said, “Grabe magkwento, makipag usap at makipag kaibigan yan. Lahat ng kaibigan ni Bishop mayayaman, including Imelda and Danding. Tayo lang mahirap.” Bishop Velasco used his connections to the likes of Imelda Marcos and Danding Cojuangco and encouraged them to donate.

At the time, one of Danding Cojuangco’s successful ventures was Northern Consolidated Cement. Cojuangco generously provided all the cement requirements of the pre-school building. Today, that building still bears his name.

Danding Cojuangco formed the legendary Northern Consolidated Cement basketball Squad. Collage from Spin.ph
https://www.spin.ph/basketball/two-ncc-titles-that-patron-danding-cojuangco-was-most-proud-of-a795-20200618

Lilia B. Yang, Tomas V. Portillo, Manang Saldaña

When it came to raising funds for building the school, it was only natural for Joe Bautista to approach those closest to him. His elder sister Lilia Bautista Yang was the CFO and Administrator for SSHG, Sycip Hernandez and Gatmaitan, the largest law firm in the country. Because of her devotion to the Catholic Church she donated P500,000 (worth P5 million today).

Standing from right: Noel Bautista, Lucio Tan, Msgr. Chin, Tomas V. Portillo, Dely Portillo. Seated from right: Sally Dee, Lilia B. Yang, Chito Makalintal, Linda Bautista, Lina Chao and Sonia Apostol. (1985) (22)

Joe also convinced his childhood friend and classmate Tomas V. Portillo, and he donated P100,000. Portillo established TVP Dental B, 100% Filipino-owned company that designs and manufactures high quality toothbrushes.

Standing: Tom and Dely Portillo, seated: Lily and Fonso Yang at the Yang residence in Greenhills (1991).

Linda on the other hand approached her close friend Rufina Rojas Saldaña who donated P100,000 for the church and undisclosed amounts for the school. Affectionately known as Manang Saldaña in elite circles, her business interests were in real estate among others.

From right: Joe Bautista, Rufina Saldaña, Former Solicitor General Frank Chavez and Lily Yang.

Get ready for MARCH, MARCH more

From left: Fr. Emil Ascaño, Mayette Yuching, SPASPA Pres. Ronelie Lato and SPASAA Pres. Lobecris Chua. SPAS@47 Tribute to SPAS Pioneers, Feb 16, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

SPAS Alumni

With God’s blessing, St Peter the Apostle School was able to produce productive and successful members of society. From the children of the Parish Council alone, who attended the school, some of them have risen to prominence.

Standing from left: Albert So, Lucio Tan, Alo Dee, Martin Sunga and Domingo Cuatico, Seated from left: Msgr. Francis Chin, Juanling So, Carmen Sunga and Luisa Tan. (1985)

Albert and Juanling’s son, Kenneth So became a prominent businessman based in Baguio. Kenneth now owns and operates a hotel and several fast food chains. Martin and Carmen Sunga’s son Alvin is AVP of Equicom. Gabby and Mayette Yuching’s son Mark is Branch Head of Metrobank Ermita.

From left: Gabby and Mayette Yuching with Janilyn and Mark Yuching.
Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/spappacomanila/

Other alumni of note includes ‘Dentist to the Stars’ Dr. Steve Mark Gan. He owns and operates the prestigious chain of clinics GAOC (Gan Advanced Osseointegration) and NOVODENTAL.

Prominent SPAS Alumni from left: Dr. Steve Mark Gan, Rolinda Uy, Annabelle Tan Ng, Lilybeth Tan Ng, Maribeth Wong, Sharon Que, Patrick So and Daniel Uy. The St. Peter the Apostle School Alumni Association (SPASAA) organized themselves for a tree planting activity at the La Mesa Nature Reserve, August 19, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista.

In the field of sports, bowler Jojo Canare won a SEA GAMES gold medal, Asian Games Silver medal representing the Philippines. She now works as coach for the National Bowling Team. These are just a few of the examples of productive SPAS Alumni.

Watch out for the second part of the series where awardee Flora Go talks about the development of the school in greater detail.

From Bowling legend to National team Coach Jojo Canare, proud SPAS Alumnus.

Log on to https://www.philippineairlines.com/

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

Fr. Emil Ascaño; SPAS@47 Tribute to SPAS Pioneers, Feb 16, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista (31)

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

From left: Fr. Emil Ascaño, Sally Dee award received by son John Dee, SPASPA Pres. Ronelie Lato and SPASAA Pres. Lobecris Chua. SPAS@47 Tribute to SPAS Pioneers, Feb 16, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

From right: Janice Dee, Sally Dee, Consuelo Say, Bishop Juan Velasco, Josephine Dee, John Dee, Ching Sevilla, Luciano Say and Alo Dee. (1982)

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

From left: Linda Bautista, Mayette Yuching, Enrique Cuatico, Sally Dee, Ching Sevilla, Juanling So and Luisa Tan. Photo taken Dec 29, 1988 at the Sevilla Residence in Singalong, Manila. SPAS@47 Tribute to SPAS Pioneers, Feb 16, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

Awardees with SPAS Faculty; SPAS@47 Tribute to SPAS Pioneers, Feb 16, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/spappacomanila/

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

From left: Fr. Emil Ascaño, Flora O. Go, SPASPA Pres. Ronelie Lato and SPASAA Pres. Lobecris Chua. SPAS@47 Tribute to SPAS Pioneers, Feb 16, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista (38)

Seated from right: Annie Brazil, Manang Rufina Saldaña and Richard Merk. Standing from right: Sally Dee, Pepay Campos, Linda Bautista, Mayette Yuching, Flora O. Go and Joe Bautista. (1991)

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

log on to: https://smac.ph/login.aspx

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

From left: Buenaventura Saldaña, Linda Bautista and Rufina Saldaña.

From left: Fr. Emil Ascaño, Linda Bautista, SPASPA Pres. Ronelie Lato and SPASAA Pres. Lobecris Chua. SPAS@47 Tribute to SPAS Pioneers, Feb 16, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

From right: Msgr Chin, Bautista family: Linda, Joe, Jude, Donald, Bishop Velasco (seated), Noel, Tim and Joy. Photo taken 1985 at the priests’ kitchen in St Peter Parish.

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

From right: Felicidad Sy, Sally Dee and Mayette Yuching.
Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/spappacomanila/

Seated form left: Bishop Juan Velasco and Fr. Joseph Liu, standing from left: Lilia B. Yang and Josie Teh. (45)

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

Log on to https://www.philippineairlines.com/

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

From left: Bishop Juan Bautista Velasco’s ring kissed by Luisa Tan as Linda Bautista and Sally Dee look on.

Standing from right: Lina Chao, Linda Bautista, Max Tan and (seated) Luisa Tan.

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,

Standing from left: Max Tan, Albert So, Lucio Tan, Alo Dee, Martin Sunga and Domingo Cuatico Seated from left: Msgr Francis Chin, Juanling So, Carmen Sunga, Luisa Tan and Engr Alfonso Lao. (1985)

Standing from left: Max Tan, Robert Chiu, Linda Bautista, Alo Dee, Sally Dee, Mayette Yuching and Joe Bautista, seated from left: Yldefonso and Lilia Yang and Luisa Tan. (50)

http://judebsports.wordpress.com/ , http://judebfood.wordpress.com/ ,

http://judebphoto.wordpress.com/ , http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/ ,